1145

Rare Early Engraved English Double Barrel Match Grade Hammer Shotgun Marked Winchester Repeating Arm

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 7,000.00 USD
Rare Early Engraved English Double Barrel Match Grade Hammer Shotgun Marked Winchester Repeating Arm
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Estimate: $4500 - 7000
This is a very rare early British double barrel shotgun manufactured in England between 1879 and 1884 for Winchester Repeating Arms Co., imported and sold through their New York store. Approximately 10,000 of these shot guns were imported by Winchester, primarily in 10 and 12 gauge with 30 or 32 inch Damascus barrels. The shotguns were made in five grades, "D" being the lowest Grade, C, B, A and the "Match Gun" grade which exhibited the highest level of the Gunmakers Art at the time. To manufacture these shotguns Winchester selected a small group of English Master gunsmiths to produce them exclusively for the US market. Assembly numbers were originally applied in England by the gunsmiths. Once received, Winchester applied their own in-house factory serial number which was engraved on the lower tang. Single brass bead sight on the smooth solid concave rib marked "WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO (Match Gun) NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.". There is a dolls head extension with a shell design and scroll engraving. 2 3/4 inch chambers, choked modified/modified with an extractor. The underside of the barrels have various proof marks, marked "NOT FOR BALL", assembly number "2037" and the matching serial number. The locks are engraved with light scroll and border engraving as well as a scene of a dog in a oval at the rear of each lock. Ahead of the hammers is marked "WINCHESTER REPEATING /ARMS CO/Match Gun". The hammers, frame, and break lever are scroll engraved and the trigger guard is engraved with a fancy monogrammed "WRA&Co". The barrels are brown and the remaining parts casehardened. Mounted with checkered select grade English walnut forearm and round knob pistol grip stock with a checkered horn buttplate and "J" inscribed initial shield. Length of pull is 14 3/8 inches.
BBL: 30 inch solid rib
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 12
Finish: brown/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 1213
Condition: Refurbished to very fine condition with almost all of the brown finish and Damascus pattern remaining on the barrels. Much of the case colors remain on the remaining parts with areas that have silvered out and some smooth gray patina. The wood is very good showing a few minor dings and scratches, and crisp checkering. The markings and engraving are clear. Mechanically fine.